PRE-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR PERIODONTAL AND IMPLANT SURGERY
The following instructions may be helpful when preparing for your upcoming surgery. Please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions. We can be reached at 03 9889 7899 during business hours.
If you are required to take antibiotic premedication, please take it as directed before your surgery. if you are prescribed oral sedation, please take the medication as directed. It is important to eat as normal prior to surgical procedures. The clinical rooms are kept cool, so it is a good idea to bring a jumper. We do have blankets on site so please request one if you feel cold.
Please arrive at least 10 minutes prior to your scheduled surgical appointment time.
Day Before: If you have been given a prescription for antibiotics please begin taking these two days prior to your scheduled appointment. Try to have a good nights rest. If you have been provided with a relaxant medication, take one of these before you go to bed for the evening. Do not drive once you have taken this medication.
On the Day: Have your usual breakfast / lunch prior to surgery. If you do not normally have breakfast if is advisable to have something to eat. This is suggested as you may find it difficult to eat for a few hours following the procedure. Please remove all makeup before you arrive. If you have been prescribed a relaxant medication please take 1-2 tablets 90 minutes prior to the scheduled appointment and arrange for someone to drive you to and from the surgery. You must not drive if you have taken a relaxant medication.
Work/School: We recommend that you do not return to work or school following surgery. It is best to plan to rest for the remainder of the day. A medical certificate can be provided at the time of your appointment.
Travel: If you have not taken a relaxant medication, you may feel alright to travel home unaccompanied after the procedure. However, it is best to have an adult on standby just in case you do not feel like getting yourself home after the surgery.
After Surgery: Written information and a postoperative pack will be given to you after the surgery.
General Information: You are welcome to bring iPod/iPhone with headphones to listen to during the procedure.
POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR PERIODONTAL & IMPLANT SURGERY
Oral Hygiene: DO NOT brush or floss the teeth in or immediately adjacent to the surgical site for 10 days. Use the provided mouthwash (10mls gentle rinse for 60 seconds) twice daily until your post-operative review appointment. Other teeth (not in the region of surgery) can continue to be brushed and flossed as normal from the day after surgery.
Drinking: It is important to maintain adequate fluid intake especially during the first 12-24 hours after surgery to avoid dehydration. Extremely hot drinks & alcohol should be avoided in this period.
Eating: Be careful to avoid chewing food on the teeth/region of surgery. Avoid seeded, grainy or spicy foods for the first few days, as they may easily lodge in the surgical site and cause irritation. Nourishing foods are essential for proper healing, however, eat whatever you can tolerate. An increase in calcium and vitamin C may help promote healing.
Bleeding: Slight oozing from the surgical site is common and of no concern. If bleeding is more severe, gently place a piece of wet gauze or a wet tea bag directly onto the site apply constant pressure to the area for at least 45 minutes. If bleeding continues for more than 2 hours or you become concerned, please call for further instructions/assistance.
Swelling: Some swelling is common after surgery. An ice pack placed on the cheek or lip over the surgical site intermittently, 20 minutes on, 10 minutes off, during the first 24-48 hours may help reduce swelling and relieve some discomfort. For any residual swelling after the first 48 hours, heat is encouraged (hot water bottle, heating pad) to increase circulation and promote healing. If swelling/discomfort becomes progressively more severe after 2-3 days, please let us know.
Medications: Take medications as instructed. Generally, medications should not be taken on an empty stomach. Alcohol, driving or operating dangerous equipment while taking pain medication can be dangerous and should be avoided.
Sutures: If stitches have been placed, they are most likely resorbable. If they dissolve or come loose before your scheduled post-op review and you are comfortable, do not be concerned. Continue to keep the region clean by mouth-washing.
Smoking and Exercise: Avoiding excessive exertion or exercise for the first 24-48 hours post surgery will help minimise the risk of excessive bleeding and swelling. Refraining from smoking during the first 24-48 hours post-surgery will improve your healing potential.